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Morgan State University

Accept Rate
82.96%
Grad Rate
43.5%
Enrollment
8,293
Avg SAT
984
Tuition
$8,118
Median Salary
$50,698
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Morgan State University pulses with the energy of Baltimore's urban heartbeat, fostering a tight-knit community known as the 'Morgan Family.' The campus feels like a vibrant home base where school spirit runs high, especially during game days and the legendary Homecoming celebration, blending a sense of HBCU tradition with the grit and opportunity of the city.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

82.96%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 98475th Pctl
8601080
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 1875th Pctl
1721
1122436

Admissions Tips

Applicants should highlight their commitment to community engagement and leadership, as Morgan values students who contribute to its family-oriented culture, not just test scores. Given the 82.96% acceptance rate, focus on a strong personal essay that connects your goals to Morgan's specific programs, like its renowned engineering or business departments, and apply early for the best consideration for scholarships.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
984
40080012001600
School range: 860โ€“1080

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Morgan State is a national leader in STEM fields for HBCUs, particularly excelling in engineering and computer science, where students often engage in hands-on research through partnerships with NASA and the Department of Defense. While the curriculum is rigorous, the teaching quality is bolstered by faculty who are deeply invested in student success, offering mentorship that extends beyond the classroom into real-world projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
16.5%
Engineering
10.7%
Communications
8.9%
Computer Science
7.2%
Psychology
6.3%
Health Professions
6%
Social Sciences
6%
Biology & Biomedical
5.8%
Public Administration
5.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.4%
Education
3.3%
Architecture
2.9%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

43.5%
Graduation Rate
70.8%
Retention Rate
8,293
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,118
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$15,015
After financial aid
Total Cost
$24,778
Cost of attendance/year
54.4%
Receive Pell Grants
65.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Baltimore

Morgan students dive into Baltimore's eclectic scene, from catching shows in the historic Fells Point district to exploring the Inner Harbor's shops and attractions. On weekends, you'll find students enjoying local food spots, attending festivals, or cheering on Baltimore's professional sports teams, blending campus events with the city's rich cultural offerings.

Local Rent Check

$1,582 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Baltimore
Explore Baltimore

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$32,472
$0Est. 4 Years: $32,472

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($50,698):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus itself is generally secure with its own police force and well-lit pathways, but its urban setting in Baltimore requires students to stay aware of their surroundings. Students are advised to use campus shuttle services and avoid walking alone late at night in the surrounding neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ One of the nation's top HBCUs for engineering and research funding, offering NASA and DoD partnerships.
  • โœ“ Highly affordable in-state tuition and significant financial aid, making it accessible for low-income students.
  • โœ“ Incredibly strong alumni network and school spirit, especially through its renowned Homecoming events.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Baltimore provides urban internships and diverse cultural experiences.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates are lower than the national average, indicating challenges some students face in persisting to graduation.
  • โœ— The urban setting means safety requires constant vigilance, and the campus is not in a secluded college town.
  • โœ— Campus facilities and infrastructure can feel dated in some areas compared to larger, wealthier universities.

Notable Alumni

Kweisi Mfume
Longtime U.S. Representative and former NAACP president who has been a powerful voice for civil rights and social justice.
Tyrone Powers
Former FBI special agent and author who is now a leading expert on homeland security and counterterrorism.
Laz Alonso
Acclaimed actor known for his roles in blockbuster films like 'Avatar' and the TV series 'The Boys.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Morgan State University is nationally recognized as a leading public HBCU, particularly renowned for its College of Engineering. It is one of the top producers of Black engineers in the nation and has a strong reputation in business, communications, and computer science, fueled by significant research partnerships with agencies like NASA.

No, Morgan State is generally considered accessible with an acceptance rate of 82.96%. While it's not highly selective, applicants should still present a solid academic record. The average SAT score is around 984, but the university looks for well-rounded students who show promise and align with its mission.

Campus life at Morgan is defined by a strong sense of community and school spirit, often referred to as the 'Morgan Family.' Students can get involved in over 100 student organizations, including a renowned marching band and various Greek life chapters. The urban location means students can easily access Baltimore's nightlife, restaurants, and cultural events, while on-campus events like concerts and Homecoming week keep the social calendar packed.

Yes, especially for in-state students, Morgan State offers a strong return on investment. With an in-state tuition of $8,118 and an average net price of $15,015, it is significantly more affordable than many four-year institutions. Graduates see a 10-year median earnings of $50,698, and for those in high-demand fields like engineering and computer science, the ROI is even higher, making it a financially sound choice.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Northrop Grumman NASA Johns Hopkins Health System T. Rowe Price Baltimore City Public Schools
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 8,270
  • In-State Tuition $8,118
  • Out-of-State $18,800
  • Zip Code 21251

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38% โ™€ 62%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition under $8,200 and a net price around $15,000, Morgan State offers exceptional value, especially for Maryland residents, making it one of the most affordable pathways to a four-year degree. The 10-year median earnings of $50,698, combined with a high Pell Grant rate for low-income students, suggests a strong return on investment for graduates entering fields like business and engineering.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,118
Housing (12 mo) $18,984
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $34,302
With avg financial aid:
$15,015/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.